Modem cattle breeders are facing many challenges, both now and in a future that demands world food production to double by the year 2025. There are some 800 breeds of cattle in the world, many of which are well suited to economic production within their indigenous environment. The real and possible loss of genetic diversity within these breeds is a source of deep concern to geneticists and farmers alike. Breed associations were responsible for the establishment of recording systems that provided multi-generation pedigree information to cattle breeders and for the introduction of selection systems based primarily on conformation. Herd recording and the advent of artificial insemination together with the computerised databases of national and international animal recording and evaluation agencies have resulted in the availability of more sophisticated information to both pedigree and grade herds, with the aim of ensuring the prosperity of farmers by improving the profitability and efficiency of their enterprises and increasing genetic gain within their herds. The consumers of animal products increasingly demand higher quality, assured by traceability of both cattle and the place of origin of products derived from them. Farming practices and animal welfare are finding a place of priority in the minds of the well fed consumer in the developed world. Animal husbandry improvement strategies in developing countries can benefit from the knowledge and experience of breed associations and national recording agencies through the assistance of international organizations such as FAO, ICAR and INTERBULL. The progression of sustainable growth in cattle production depends on the continuing development of national and international recording programmes. As cattle breeding assumes an increasing global dimension with the continual movement of genetic material across national and international borders, universally accepted standards in the collection and presentation of recording data have become a fundamental requirement. ICAR and its Sub-committee, INTERBULL are the ideal organizations to implement international regulation in this field. This paper attempts to define the role of breed associations and their world federations in a new and rapidly changing environment.
